Convertible dual use bag for use with a portable enclosure

ABSTRACT

A convertible dual use bag is usable as a carrying member for a folded portable enclosure. When the enclosure is opened and set up, the bag may be opened up flat, and used as a floor. The bag includes a large multi-layered fabric sheet. The outer face of the sheet is provided with binding straps and carrying straps, for use when the bag is used as a carrying member. The inner surface of the sheet is free from straps and fasteners, and may be used as the upward facing floor surface. In its first use mode, the bag is used to enclose a collapsed portable enclosure such as a tent or ice shanty, including struts or frame sections and a fabric shell. The binding straps may be used to house and surround the components of the enclosure, so that these components are securely stowed within the bag. The dual use bag also includes carrying straps which permit the bag to be carried by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/658,280, filed on Mar. 3, 2005, which, in turn, was aContinuation-in-Part of, and claims priority under 35 USC 120 from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/060,079, filed Feb. 17, 2005, which, inturn, claimed priority under 35 USC 119 from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/545,742, filed Feb. 18, 2004. The complete disclosureof each of these priority documents is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a carrying bag fortransporting portable structures used in outdoor sporting activities.More specifically, the present invention relates to a dual use carryingbag having a first configuration in which it is used as a carryingmember for a collapsed or folded portable enclosure and, upon assemblyof the portable enclosure, the carrying bag has a second configurationin which it is used as a floor member for the portable enclosure.

2. Brief Description of the Background Art

A wide variety of portable outdoor enclosures are used in an equallywide variety of outdoor sporting activities. Such enclosures range fromlightweight hiking tents to large, heavy-duty lodge tents to huntingblinds to ice fishing shanties. Each type of enclosure has evolved tomeet the specific needs and requirements of the particular sportingactivity.

Because of the harsh conditions in which ice fishing takes place,shelters have long been used by ice fishermen. However, early structureswere large, unwieldy wooden framed structures, that were towed out onthe ice as an intact body. Although sturdy and somewhat weatherproof,these structures were not easily moved from place to place on a frozenbody of water. Further, such structures could not be easily dismantledand moved to other fishing lakes. In keeping with the advent of modemtent technology, ice fishing enclosures now often employ technologiesthat provide collapsible, lightweight, and portable structures and thatprovide good protection from the elements.

The background art discloses many different outdoor enclosures ofvarious sizes, shapes, and methods of construction. A primary goal ineach of the designs for outdoor enclosures is to offer an effectiveshelter to protect the occupants from the elements of weather. Below,some examples of known approaches for assembling and fabricatingsporting enclosures are described.

Collapsible, foldable, and easily disassembled frame structures areknown. Examples of such structures are disclosed in U.S. patents toBeavers (U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,482), Foster (U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,243), andStumbo (U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,338). Each of these patents show collapsibleframes used to support a flexible covering for use as tents, blinds, orother shelters. Beavers and Stumbo each show frames which includesupport poles extending from a central hub, and Stumbo discloses a framestructure in which includes several sub-frames, each of which supports aportion of a flexible covering.

Many flexible coverings used in known collapsible enclosures aresupported by the frame structures to provide the outer shell of theenclosure, and are commonly made of fabric. The flexible coveringsnormally include at least one door opening and one or more windowopenings. Window openings may be vacant, or alternatively, may becovered with transparent sheeting, screen, a closeable flap, orcombinations thereof. Examples of such coverings are disclosed in U.S.patents to Smith (U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,237) and to Husted (U.S. Pat. No.4,067,346), which each disclose respective fabric extensions at a loweredge of a covering, for use in securing the covering to the ground.

A variety of approaches have been used in the prior art to stabilize acollapsible enclosure in a desired location, in all types of weatherenvironments. A common strategy is to stake the enclosure to the ground,either by securing a lead line between a buried stake and the enclosure,or by staking the flexible covering directly to the ground. A variety oftent stakes are known, for implantation in a variety of soil types. U.S.patent D 363,755 to Diederich depicts a tent stake including a threadedshaft.

Of the group of sporting enclosures, ice fishing tents provide featureswhich address the particular requirements of this sport, which isperformed in an extreme winter environment. Such enclosures must be ableto accommodate high winds associated with broad open expanses of ice,and must protect the sportsperson from the environment. Such enclosuresmust also be portable, and should be capable of being easily assembledin very cold conditions. They must also provide access to the icesurface from the interior of the structure, while providingenvironmental protection. A variety of ice fishing tents are known, andexamples thereof are found in US patents to Kashuba (U.S. Pat. No.3,570,507), Klopfstein et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,893), and Thompson(U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,387).

Although the known sporting enclosures and ice fishing shanties areuseful for their respective intended purposes, a further need stillexists in the art for an improved apparatus for manually transportingthe portable enclosures to a desired location within the unfavorableelements of winter weather. In particular, there is a need for animproved carrying device that can compactly and securely stow theportable enclosure while protecting the contents from the elements.Furthermore, there is a need for providing the portable enclosure with ameans for further protecting the user from the effects long periods ofinactivity on a cold ground surface. Specifically, an insulated barrierprovided between the user and the ground surface would have positivebenefits in terms of user comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable outdoor structure adapted foruse in the field of ice fishing. A structure according to a selectedembodiment of the invention is quickly and easily assembled anddisassembled, provides protection from the harsh winter environment, andis sized and shaped to accommodate the space requirements of the sportof ice fishing.

Accordingly, in a first embodiment of the present invention, theinventive portable outdoor structure includes a durable, lightweightflexible covering or shell cooperatively mounted on an easilydisassembled, lightweight frame structure to provide a floorless coveredenclosure. The shell includes a skirt portion on each sidewall, in whichthe skirt portion extends out substantially parallel to a supportivesubstrate in an assembled configuration of the structure. The ends ofthe skirt portion extend out beyond the sidewall to which it isattached, on both sides of the sidewall. Adjacent skirt portion ends maybe placed in an overlapping stacked configuration to align through holesformed therein, and to provide a strong reinforced spot for staking thehousing to the ice surface or similar substrate.

The inventive structure also includes a plurality of anchor stakesadapted for use in securing the shell of the structure to an icesurface.

The flexible shell forms the plurality of walls and the roof of theenclosure, and is open at the bottom thereof. This feature isadvantageous to the sport of ice fishing, because one or more holes canbe formed in the ice within the enclosure, with no limitation on theplacement thereof.

The lower edge of each sidewall of the shell is provided with a skirtportion extending therefrom. The skirt portion extends alongsubstantially the entire lower edge of the covering, and has a widththat is wider than the sidewall, such that the respective ends of theskirt portion extend beyond the sidewall on either side thereof. Eachskirt end is provided with a rigid plastic or metal grommet. Thus, whenin use, the skirt ends of adjacent sidewalls overlap one another in sucha manner that the grommets overlie each other in stacked verticalalignment. The grommets are provided in the skirt ends for strength andreinforcement in staking the enclosure to the ice surface. Further,snow, rocks or weighted materials can be layered on the upper side ofthe skirt portion, to maintain the lower edge of the tent sidewallsadjacent the ice surface. This is especially helpful in windyconditions.

If desired, openings can be formed in the shell to provide doors,windows, and/or vents. For example, one or more flexible plastic windowsmay be provided in the walls of the enclosure, to admit light therein.These windows may also include flap closures. A zippered door isdisposed on one of the walls to permit ingress and egress. A vent may beprovided in the ceiling of the shell, to provide ventilation and toreduce or prevent moisture condensation within the enclosure.

The flexible shell is supported from within by a frame apparatus, whichincludes a plurality of individual, expandable sub-frames. A sub-frameis provided for the ceiling and each wall, and each sub-frame comprisesa single central hub which supports a plurality of radially extendingstruts. The respective distal end portions of the struts are releasablyattached to the outer shell, which may be accomplished by placing thestrut ends into sewn-in pockets provided for that purpose on theinterior of the shell.

Optionally, the ceiling and at least one wall of the shell may beprovided with a respective tensioning strap, which is adjustable toplace tension on the relevant fabric panel, in order to better withstandwind.

Inventive anchor stakes are also provided as supports for the enclosure,and these stakes allow the skirt portion of the covering to be easilyand securely fixed to an ice sheet, the ground, or other supportivesubstrate without pounding, drilling, or excessive exertion. Theinventive stakes include a threaded lower end having a spiral tipthereon similar to a corkscrew, and an upper end formed into a handle.The stakes are used at the corners of the portable enclosure, passingthrough the skirt portions of the covering, to hold the portableenclosure in a desired location.

A second embodiment of the invention provides an enclosure havingsimilar construction but having a different outer shape. In particular,the illustrated second embodiment is a generally dome-shaped housingstructure, which also includes skirt portions having stackable endportions similar to those provided in the first embodiment. The housingstructure in the second embodiment is supportable by a segmented strutframe structure, which may be adapted to be placed either inside oroutside of the housing, and which can be attached to the housing usingeither fabric or elastic loops.

The present invention also encompasses a kit for use in constructing aportable ice fishing enclosure. The kit includes a plurality of thedescribed sub-frames, along with the shell, made of thin flexiblematerial that fits over the frame, and which tolerates and repels theelements of weather encountered outdoors in the winter. The kit alsoincludes a plurality of anchor stakes for attaching the enclosure to asubstrate, and a carrying bag for ease of storage and transportation.The anchor stakes are threaded at the ends thereof, are adapted to bescrewed into a supportive substrate, and are especially adapted forscrewing into a thick ice sheet.

The present invention also encompasses a method of assembling thedisclosed portable outdoor enclosure.

The present invention further encompasses a dual use bag for use as acarrying member for a collapsed or folded portable enclosure and, uponassembly of the portable enclosure, for use in combination with theportable enclosure as a floor member for the enclosure.

The inventive dual use bag is a large multi-layered sheet formed of adurable fabric which includes a thermally insulating pad layer. Theouter face of the sheet is provided with plural sets of straps for usewhen the bag is used as a carrying member. The inner face of the sheetis free from straps and fasteners, and in the exemplary embodiment isused as the upward facing floor surface.

In its first use mode, the dual use bag is used to enclose a collapsedportable enclosure such as an ice shanty. The collapsed enclosuretypically consists of multiple struts or strut sections and a fabricshell. These items are securely enclosed within the bag so that noinadvertent loss of parts is possible. The dual use bag includes bindingstraps which maintain the bag in a wrapped, surrounding relationshipabout the components of the enclosure, so that the components of theenclosure are compactly and securely stowed within the bag. The dual usebag also includes carrying straps which permit the bag to be carried bythe user.

In its second use mode, the dual use bag is used in an opened, laid outconfiguration to provide a floor mat in combination with floorlessportable enclosures such as hunting blinds and ice shanties. In suchenclosures, the invention is used to provide an insulated, protectivecovering for the open ground area in the assembled portable enclosure.The insulated floor mat provides a thermal barrier to maintain thewarmth of the user, especially when used on frozen ground or on ice. Theinsulation also provides a comfortable padded surface. When used on theground, the mat provides a clean, dry location on which gear can beplaced. This is also true when the mat is used on ice, with theadditional benefit that any melting of ice or snow is isolated from theuser and gear.

The inventive dual use bag is equally advantageous when used withportable enclosures having an integral floor such as camping tents. Insuch enclosures, the inventive dual use bag is placed within theenclosure overlying the integral floor, and provides an insulated,padded surface thereon. Use of the invention as a floor member wouldobviate the need for individual thermally insulated and padded sleepingmats such as those known by the registered trademark Therm-a-Rest,thereby reducing the amount of gear required for tent camping.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the readeris referred to the following detailed description section, which shouldbe read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout thefollowing detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers referto like parts.

The present invention is not limited to its application to the detailsof construction and to the dispositions of the components set forth inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The presentinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood thatthe phrases and terms employed herein are for the purposes ofillustration and example, and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept uponwhich this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis forthe designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying outthe several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled portable outdoorstructure according to a first illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the skirt portions at the lower edge of the covering,and also showing the internal sub-frames and tensioning straps inphantom.

FIG. 2 is a detail view of a lower corner of the covering portion of thestructure, showing the end portion of the skirt from one sidewallextending laterally outwardly beyond the sidewall, and the end portionof the skirt from an adjacent sidewall arranged to overlap it.

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the lower corner of the covering similar toFIG. 3, showing the respective end portions layered such that thegrommets lie in vertical alignment, and showing, in an exploded manner,a stake positioned for insertion through the aligned grommets.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the internal frame structure of thestructure of FIG. 1, with the covering deleted from the drawing forillustrative purposes.

FIG. 5 is an exploded detail view showing the components of onesub-frame of the frame structure of FIG. 4, including the hub, the hubcap plate, and the struts, in which the bolt is oriented such that thebolt eye faces the interior of the enclosure.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the hub portion of the sub-frame of FIG. 5,viewed from a vantage point inside of the shelter.

FIG. 7 is an exploded detail view showing the components of onesub-frame of the frame structure of FIG. 4, including the hub, the hubcap plate, and the struts, in which the bolt is oriented such that thebolt eye faces the exterior of the enclosure and in which a strutstabilizer is employed.

FIG. 8 is an isolated view of the strut stabilizer showing the pinengaging protrusion projecting from one surface of the circular plate.

FIG. 9 is a detail view of the hub portion of the sub-frame of FIG. 7,viewed from a vantage point outside of the shelter.

FIG. 10 is a detail view of a corner of a sidewall of the structure ofFIG. 1 as viewed from the inside of the shelter, showing the distal endof a strut secured to the inner surface of the covering by insertionwithin a pocket formed on the inner surface of the covering.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tensioning mechanism isolated fromthe tensioning straps, showing the textured bar overlying the baseplate.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the tension-producing member, showing thetensioning straps extending from the tensioning mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembled portable outdoor structureaccording to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention,showing cinch straps extending between the hub of each sidewall subframeand an anchor stake embedded in the substrate.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a stake used for attaching thestructure of FIG. 1 to a supportive substrate, illustrating the threadedlower end, a looped handle formed on the upper end, and a wide flangeprovided between the upper end and lower end.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a stake used for attaching thestructure of FIG. 1 to a supportive substrate, illustrating the threadedlower end, a t-shaped handle formed on the upper end, and without a wideflange provided between the upper end and lower end.

FIG. 16 is a detail view of the of the lower tip end of the stakes ofFIGS. 14 and 15, showing the helical shape of the lower end, and theangle θ of the terminal tip relative to the longitudinal axis of thestake.

FIG. 17 is an elevated perspective view of an assembled portable outdoorstructure according to another illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention, showing the skirt portions at the lower edge of the covering;and

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of a frame structure for the structureof FIG. 17, with the covering deleted from the drawing for illustrativepurposes.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a first kit according to anotherembodiment of the invention, including a covering, a frame consisting offive sub-frames, a plurality of stakes, and a carrying bag.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of a second kit according to anotherembodiment of the invention, including a covering, a frame consisting offive sub-frames, a plurality of stakes, a plurality of cinch straps anda carrying bag.

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of a dual use carrying bag in a fullyopen, laid flat configuration with the inner surface facing upwardshowing the octagonal shape of the outer periphery, and showing twobinding straps extending from a long side edge.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the dual use carrying bag of FIG.15 showing the bag in a partially folded configuration and secured inthis configuration by the transversely extending binding straps.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a dual use carrying bag in a fullyopen, laid flat configuration with the inner surface facing upwardshowing an alternative strap configuration wherein three binding strapsextend from a long side edge.

FIG. 24 is a partial side sectional view of the dual use carrying bagshowing the three layers used to construction the bag.

FIG. 25 is a partial side sectional view of the dual use carrying bagshowing an alternative construction in which two layers are used toconstruct the bag.

FIG. 26 is a top perspective view of a dual use carrying bag in a fullyopen, laid flat configuration with the inner surface facing upwardshowing a first alternative insulation configuration.

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of a dual use carrying bag in a fullyopen, laid flat configuration with the inner surface facing upwardshowing a second alternative insulation configuration.

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of the dual use carrying bag in afully folded and closed configuration.

FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of a dual use carrying bag in a fullyopen, laid flat configuration with the outer surface facing upwardshowing the attachment configuration for both the binding straps and thecarrying straps.

FIG. 30 is a top perspective view of a dual use carrying bag in a fullyopen, laid flat configuration with the inner surface facing upwardshowing the disassemble, collapsed portable enclosure centrally placedon the inner surface.

FIG. 31 a front perspective view of a hook connector extending from anend of a strap member showing the elongated hook portion.

FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of the hook connector of FIG. 25.

FIG. 33 a front perspective view of a slot connector extending from anend of a strap member showing the widened slot portion.

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the slot connector of FIG. 27.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the hook portion of the hook connectorreceived within the slot portion of the slot connector.

FIG. 36 shows the dual use carrying bag mounted on the shoulders of theuser so that the portable enclosure is transported on the back of theuser in a back-pack style.

FIG. 37 shows the dual use carrying bag opened on the floor of theportable enclosure to provide a padded thermal barrier between the useand the ground surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment—Overview

An illustrative embodiment of an inventive portable ice fishingenclosure according to the present invention will now be described, withreference to the drawing Figures. As shown in FIG. 1, in a fullyassembled configuration thereof, a portable ice fishing enclosure 10according to the selected embodiment includes a flexible outer covering,or shell, 20 supported by a frame 70, and secured to a supportivesubstrate 5 using a plurality of anchor stakes 130. The enclosure hereofis particularly adapted for use on an ice sheet as a supportivesubstrate 5.

The covering 20 is cooperatively supported by, and overlies the frame70. The covering 20 provides an outer shell for the portable enclosure10, and is formed of flexible sheet material. In the illustratedembodiment, the flexible sheet material is a woven synthetic fabric toprovide the durability, flexibility and strength required for use inharsh environmental conditions.

The covering 20 includes a plurality of interconnected sidewalls 22 anda ceiling 24. The sidewalls 22 are arranged in a lateral edge-to-edgerelationship, such that each of the sidewalls 22 is joined to anadjacent sidewall at each of its respective lateral edges, to form aclosed section. The ceiling 24 is joined, at its peripheral edges, tothe respective upper edges of the sidewalls 22, to close the upper endof the portable enclosure 10. The lower end of the portable enclosure 10may be left open to allow the user to have access to substantially theentire ground surface area within the surrounding sidewalls.

Alternatively, if desired, a bag used to store and transport theenclosure in a collapsed configuration thereof may be adapted to be usedas a floor in the assembled configuration of the enclosure, to coverpart or all of the floor area inside of the enclosure.

The Outer Shell

In the first illustrative embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 1,the covering 20 of the enclosure 10 consists of four sidewalls 22 and aceiling 24. However, it is within the scope of the invention to use onlythree sidewalls, or more than four sidewalls. For example, for a largerenclosure, five or six sidewalls may be provided.

One or more of the sidewalls 22 may be provided with a window opening28. A transparent vinyl sheet insert 30 may be sewn over window opening28, to allow natural light to enter into the interior space within theportable enclosure 10. The transparent vinyl sheet insert 30 may becovered with a selectively movable flexible window flap (not shown). Ifdesired, only a portion of one edge of the transparent vinyl insert 30may be fixed to a corresponding edge of the window opening 28 so as toallow the transparent vinyl insert 30 to be selectively openable. Aselectively openable transparent vinyl insert 30 may also be layeredover a screen insert (not shown).

The portable enclosure 10 includes at least one selectively closabledoor opening 36 formed in a sidewall 22, to permit ingress into, andegress from the enclosure 10. In the depicted embodiment, the dooropening 36 is a closable door flap 38 that is secured to the sidewall 22using conventional door closure means 40, which may include, but is notlimited to, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, or ties.

A vent opening 42 is formed in the ceiling 24, and comprises abreathable vent insert 43 sewn therein which prevents environmentalprecipitation from entering into the interior of the enclosure 10, andwhich also allows adequate ventilation of the structure. The ventopening 42 may include a closable flap of fabric on the interior of thecovering 20, and a screen panel may be provided as the vent insert 43.

The lower edge 44 of each sidewall 22 has a skirt portion 50 attachedthereto along the entire width thereof, and the outer ends of skirtportion extend beyond the sidewall 22 at each side thereof. The skirtportion 50 is an elongate rectangular band formed of the same materialas the tent body, and has a width that is greater than the width of thesidewall 22. The skirt portion 50 extends continuously along the entirelower edge 44 of the sidewall 22 such that the respective ends 54 of theskirt portion 50 extend beyond both lateral edges of the sidewall 22(FIG. 2). Each end 54 of the skirt portion 50 is provided with a throughhole 58. The edges of the through hole 58 are reinforced. In theillustrated embodiment, the through hole 58 is reinforced with a metalor high-strength plastic grommet 60.

In the assembled configuration of the enclosure 10, the sidewalls 22extend substantially vertically upwardly, with each sidewall bowedslightly outwardly by its respective sub-frame 72 (FIG. 2), and theskirt portion 50 for each sidewall 22 extends out parallel to thesubstrate 5 and perpendicular to the sidewall 22, so as to overlie andconfront the surface of the substrate 5.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, in the assembled configuration of the enclosure,the respective end flaps of adjacent skirt portions overlap one anotherat the corners of the covering 20, to provide a strong support for theenclosure when the overlapped end flaps are attached to the substrate 5.At the corners of the portable enclosure 10, the respective ends 54 ofthe skirt portions 50 for adjacent sidewalls are arranged to lie in alayered, overlapping relationship. That is, the end 54 of the skirtportion 50 of one sidewall 22 overlies the end 54′ of the skirt portion50′ of the adjacent sidewall 22′, so that the through hole 58 of the end54 of the skirt portion 50 of the one sidewall overlies and is invertical alignment with the through hole 58′ of the end 54′ of the skirtportion 50′ of the adjacent sidewall 22′, to form a vertically alignedthrough hole pair 66. Each through hole 58 of the through hole pair 66is sized to receive the shank 134 of the anchor stake 130 therethrough,and has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the anchorstake's flange 136.

The Frame

Referring now to FIG. 4, the frame 70 cooperates with the covering 20 toprovide a three-dimensional enclosure which is free standing,lightweight, and easily assembled and disassembled. In the depictedembodiment of the enclosure 10, the frame 70 includes five sub-frames 72such that a e sub-frame 72 is provided for the ceiling 24, and separatesub-frames are also provided for each of the four respective sidewalls22. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, the individual sub-frames 72 are notconnected to one another. When assembled with the covering 20, theindividual sub-frames 72 are discontiguous with each other.

Each sub-frame 72 includes a substantially cylindrical central hub 74,and further includes a plurality of struts 76, which are pivotallymounted to the hub 74 and extend outwardly therefrom. In the illustratedembodiment, four struts 76 are provided for each hub. However, it iswithin the scope of this invention to provide a hub having a fewer orgreater number of struts 76 to accommodate variations in sidewall shape.For example, to accommodate a triangular sidewall 22, the hub mayinclude only three struts. As a second example, in a structurecomprising five sidewall panels 22, the correspondingly hexagonalceiling 24 would require a hub which includes 5 struts.

As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the hub 74 is a substantially cylindricalblock, which is formed from a strong, substantially solid plastic ormetal material having a number of openings formed therein, as will befurther described. The hub 74 has an outer face 92 for placement facingtoward and confronting the interior surface of the covering 20, and aninner face 94 for placement facing the interior space of the portableenclosure 10, when the portable enclosure is assembled. The hub 74 hasan arcuate peripheral edge surface 96 extending between the inner face94 and the outer face 92.

The hub 74 also has a plurality of mounting apertures 98 formed therein.One mounting aperture 98 is provided for each strut 76. In theillustrated embodiment, four struts 76 are provided for each hub 74, andthus each hub 74 includes four mounting apertures 98. The mountingapertures 98 are positioned so as to surround, and be equidistantlyspaced about, the axial centerline of the hub 74.

Each mounting aperture 98 includes an axially extending shaped throughhole 99. The through holes 99 extend through the block of the hub 74,between the inner face 94 and the outer face 92. The inner surface ofeach through hole 99 is irregularly shaped, and includes both a pair ofopposed key slots 102 and a stop slot 116. The hub 74 has a stop surface118 formed therein at a lower end of the stop slot 116.

Each mounting aperture 98 further includes a plurality of radiallyextending grooves 100 formed in the outer face 92 thereof. Each of theradial grooves 100 extends radially inwardly from the peripheral edgesurface 96 so as to terminate at and communicate with a respectivemounting aperture 98.

Each strut 76 consists of an elongate semi-rigid rod having a shaped hubend 164 for mounting within the mounting apertures 98, and a distal end166 opposed to the hub end 164. The rod may be made of a strong,flexible material such as plastic, a carbon composite tube, orfiberglass. The hub end 164 of each strut 76 includes a transverselyextending pin which forms a key 110 positioned adjacent to the terminusof the hub end 164, and also includes a narrow, outwardly extending stop114 formed on the terminus of the hub end 164. During assembly and inuse, the key 110 is received within and pivotably supported by the keyslots 102 of the through hole 99. Likewise, the stop 114 is supported bythe stop surface 118 in the stop slot 116 of the through hole 99.

Once assembled, each strut 76 is positioned within the hub 74 such thatthe hub end 164 resides within a mounting aperture 98. Specifically, inthe unfolded and opened position of the sub-frame 72 shown in FIGS. 2and 6, the key 110 resides within the key slots 102, the stop 114 abutsthe stop surface 118, and the hub end 164 of the strut 76 resides withina corresponding radial groove 100. In this fully opened configuration,the body portion 108 of the strut 76 extends radially outwardly from theperipheral edge surface 96 of the hub 74 (FIG. 6).

Once the struts 76 are positioned within the respective mountingapertures 98, the inner face 94 of the hub 74 is covered with a circularflat hub cap 104. The hub cap 104 includes a central hole 103, whichaligns with a threaded bolt hole 120 formed through the axial centerlineof the hub 74. The hub cap 104 is maintained on the inner face 94 of thehub 74 using a threaded bolt 106, extending through both the centralhole 103 of the hub cap 104 and the bolt hole 120 of the hub 74, andsecured with a nut 105. The inner end of the bolt 106 is looped to forman eye 135.

Eye 135, formed on the end of bolt 106, provides a means for graspingthe hub 74, and may support a short pull strap to enhance that function(see the hub 74 of the ceiling 24 in FIG. 1). In FIG. 5, the eye 135 ofthe bolt 106 is illustrated as disposed adjacent the inner face 94 ofthe hub 74. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the hub 74 will functionequally well when the bolt 106 is inverted so that nut 105 is disposedadjacent to the inner face 94 of the hub 74.

In the preferred embodiment, the eye 135 of the bolt 106 is located onthe outer surface of the portable enclosure 10, and provides anattachment structure to which an end of an adjustable cinch strap 156(described below) is secured. A cinch strap 156 is secured between thestructurally substantial hub 74, via the eye 135, and the substrate 5,via an anchor stake 130, 230 (described below). This configuration isprovided on each sidewall of the enclosure, so that each sub-frame 72 isindividually fixed to the substrate 5.

An improved embodiment of the sub-frame 72′ is depicted in FIGS. 7-9.The improved embodiment of the sub-frame 72′ is substantially similar tothe sub-frame 72 described above, and therefore elements common to bothembodiments employ common reference numbers and descriptions. As in theembodiment described above, the improved sub-frame 72′ includes acentral hub 74 with struts 76 extending therefrom.

In the improved embodiment sub-frame 72′, a strut stabilizer 121 is usedto improve the function and reliability of the sub-frame 72.′ As seen inFIG. 7, the threaded bolt 106 is used to secure the strut stabilizer 121to the outer face 94 of the hub 74. In particular, the threaded end ofthe bolt 106 passes through a small diameter washer 80, the threadedcenter hole 120 of the hub 74, the strut stabilizer 121, and the hub cap104, and is secured thereon with a nut 105.

The strut stabilizer 121 limits movement of the struts 76 in the hubmounting apertures 98, and also applies pressure to the keys 110 formedin the hub ends 164, thereby stabilizing the struts 76 relative to thehub 74 and permitting smooth movement of the struts 76 within the hub74. The strut stabilizer 121 (FIG. 8) includes a circular plate 144formed of molded plastic that has a plurality of integrally formedpin-engaging protrusions 146 on one side thereof. There are twoprotrusions 146 for each strut, with one protrusion 146 provided foreach pin 110. The protrusions 146 are molded to interlock with key slots102 of each through hole 99, to contact the keys 110, and to limitmovement of the keys 110 in the hub assembly. The hub cap 104 acts as alarge reinforcing washer and evenly distributes the pressure of the nutto the strut stabilizer 121.

Each sub-frame 72 is cooperatively supported in space by the covering20, such that sub-frames 72 on adjacent portions of the portableenclosure 10 are not in physical contact with one another. The distalends 166 of each respective strut 76 are received in and supported bypockets 64 formed on the interior surface 62 of the covering 20 (FIG.10). A pocket is provided near each corner of the ceiling and of eachsidewall, and is aligned with a line extending between diagonallyopposed corners. This configuration complements the orientation of thestruts 76 as they extend outward from hub 74. Thus, the frame 70 iscooperatively engaged with the cover 20, such that each individualsub-frame 72 is supported by a portion of the covering 20, and such thatthe plurality of sub-frames provide support and structure to thecovering 20 to result in a freestanding, three dimensional construction.

Tensioning Straps

A tensioning strap 150 may, optionally, be provided on the interiorsurface 62 of the covering 20 for use with one or more panels thereof.Thus one or more of the sidewalls 22 and the ceiling 24 of the portableenclosure 10 may be provided with a tensioning strap 150. Eachtensioning strap 150, where used, includes strap sections 152, 154 whichextend between a pair of opposed edges of a respective portion of thecovering 20, such as a sidewall 22 or ceiling 24, and are centrallyjoined using a tensioning mechanism 160. The tensioning mechanism 160can be of a conventional type similar to a known tensioning mechanismused in automotive safety belts, which allows a single-directionadjustment of the overall length of the straps 152, 154.

The internal structure of one example of a tensioning mechanism 160 isshown in FIGS. 11 and 12. As seen in FIG. 11, the tensioning mechanism160 includes a base plate 162 having parallel sides and having anopening 164 formed therein. A pair of opposed side flanges 165, 166 areintegrally attached to and extend upwardly from the respective parallelsides of the base plate 162. Each of the side flanges 165, 166 has arespective slot 167, 168 formed therein, oriented at an upwardly slopingangle with respect to the base plate 162. The base plate 162 includes arelease flange 170 having a hole 172 formed therein. If desired, arelease strap may be secured to release flange 170 using the hole 172.The tensioning mechanism 160 further includes a textured bar 174extending between the side flanges 165, 166, with the ends 176 of thebar 174 slidably disposed in the slots 167, 168 thereof. Although theinventive portable enclosure is described is illustrated usingtensioning mechanism 160, it is within the scope of this invention touse other tensioning devices, such as, but not limited to, a ratchetingtensioner.

In the tensioning strap 150 according to the present invention, a first,adjustable length strap 154 is formed of a strong, flexible material. Anexample of such a material includes, but is not limited to, nylonwebbing. Adjustable length strap 154 has opposed first and second ends155, 157, and is pre-threaded through the tensioning mechanism 160. Auser of the apparatus is not required to remove the adjustable lengthstrap 154 from the tensioning mechanism 160, or to re-thread theadjustable length strap 154 therethrough at any time during the life ofthe mechanism, under normal circumstances.

The tensioning strap 150 further includes a second, fixed length strap152 operatively attached to the adjustable length strap 154 via thetensioning mechanism 160. The fixed length strap 152 is formed of astrong, flexible material, similar to the material of the adjustablelength strap 154. The fixed length strap 152 has opposed first andsecond ends 151, 153. The first end 151 of the fixed length strap 152 isoperatively and non-adjustably attached to the tensioning mechanism 160.This may be accomplished by passing the end of the strap around the endof the base plate 162, through the opening 164, and sewing the strapback on itself, as shown in FIG. 12. The second end 153 of the fixedlength strap is operatively and non-adjustably attached to the edgeportion of the sidewall (or ceiling).

As seen in FIG. 12, the first end 155 of the adjustable length strap 154is fed through the opening 164 in the base plate 162 in the directionshown, passed around the bar 174 in the direction of the release flange170, and is then fed back through the opening 164. The first end 155 ofthe adjustable length strap 154 is allowed to hang freely. The secondend 157 of the adjustable length strap 154 is operatively andnon-adjustably attached to the edge portion of the sidewall (or ceiling)which is opposed to the edge portion upon which the second end 153 ofthe fixed length strap is secured. Thus as seen in FIG. 1, thetensioning strap 150 spans a respective portion of the covering, such asa sidewall 22 or ceiling 24, such that the strap members 152. 154 arefixed to opposed edges of the portion of the covering.

For example, in FIG. 1, a first tensioning strap 150′ is shown on asidewall 22 and a second tensioning strap 150″ is shown on the ceiling24. Although not shown, a tensioning strap 150 may be provided onadditional sidewalls 22, as needed. With respect to the first tensioningstrap 150′ on the sidewall 22, the second end 153′ of the fixed lengthstrap 152′ is fixed to the upper edge of the sidewall 22, and the secondend 157′ of the adjustable length strap 154′ is fixed to the lower edgeof sidewall 22. Similarly, with respect to the second tensioning strap150″ on the ceiling 24, the second end 153″ of the fixed length strap152″ is fixed to a first lateral edge of the ceiling 24, and the secondend 157″ of the adjustable length strap 154″ is fixed to an opposedlateral edge of the ceiling 24.

As seen in FIG. 1, adequate tension is provided by inversion of thesub-frames in the open assembled configuration thereof, so that thedistal ends 166 of each strut 76 are flexed inwardly toward the centerof the portable enclosure 10, and so that the hub is pressed outwardly,away from the center of the portable enclosure 10 and against thecovering 20.

When setting up the enclosure 10, the distal ends 166 of the struts 76are inserted into the corresponding pockets 64 at the corners of aselected sidewall panel 22, with the outer face 92 of the hub 74oriented facing outwardly, against the material of the sidewall 22. Thehub 74 is then pushed outwardly until it bows out beyond a plane whichincludes the corners of the sidewall 22, in a gently bowed configurationsimilar to an open, unfurled umbrella.

Adjustable tension cinch straps 156 may also be used on the exterior ofthe enclosure 10 to secure the enclosure 10 to the substrate 5 (FIG.13). The adjustable cinch straps 156 extend from the frame 70 and aresecured into the ice using anchor stakes (130 or 230, described below).Like the tensioning straps 150 used on the interior of the enclosure 10,each adjustable cinch strap 156 comprises a fixed length strap 159, anadjustable length strap 158, and a tensioning mechanism 160 joining thefixed length strap 159 to the adjustable length strap 158. Thetensioning mechanism 160 permits adjustment of the length of the cinchstrap 156. Preferably, in use, the length of the cinch strap issufficiently shortened so that a tension force is applied between theeye 135 and the stake 230, as shown in FIG. 13. Although the mechanismfor adjusting strap length and tension is disclosed herein as tensioningmechanism 160, it is understood that use of other means of strapadjustment is within the scope of the invention.

One end of the cinch strap 156, for example the fixed length strap 159,is secured to the eye 135 of the bolt 160 by conventional means. In theillustrated embodiment, a loop is provided at the strap end, so that inuse, the loop is passed through the eye and about the cinch strap 159itself. The second end of the cinch strap 156, for example theadjustable length strap 158, is secured to the stake 230 by conventionalmeans. In the illustrated embodiment, a loop is provided at the strapend, and in use, the loop is hooked about the handle 232 of the stake230 in order to retain the cinch strap 156 thereon.

The Anchor Stakes

The portable enclosure 10 is maintained in contact with the ice or othersubstrate surface 5 using a plurality of anchor stakes 130, 230. Thiscan be accomplished as seen in FIG. 3, in which anchor stakes 130cooperatively engage the through hole pair 66 formed in the skirtportions 50 at each corner of the portable enclosure 10. This can alsobe accomplished as seen in FIG. 13, in which the hub 74 of each subframe72 is secured to a stake 230 within the substrate surface 5 via a cinchstrap 156. In extreme conditions, a combination of the above two stakingmodes can be employed.

A description of each anchor stake 130, 230 is provided below. It isunderstood that the anchor stakes 130 and the anchor stakes 230disclosed herein are provided with distinct features which optimizetheir respective functions when used as described. However, the anchorstakes 130, 230 also have many common features, and so there arecircumstances in which they may be used interchangeably.

As seen in FIG. 14, each anchor stake 130 comprises an elongate shank134. The upper end of the shank 134 is shaped to form a handle 132. Thehandle is sized and shaped to allow adequate gripping and leverage formanual rotation of the anchor stake during use. In the illustratedembodiment, the handle is shaped to form an elongated loop, but it mayalso be formed in other shapes, including a T-shape. The handle may beprovided with a insulative covering, such as rubber or a suitableelastomeric coating, for improved comfort and grippability when used incold environments.

The lower end 138 of the shank 134 is tapered, and terminates in apointed tip 140. For ease of threading into an ice surface 5, thetapered portion may be two inches or more in length. The lower end 138is provided with coarse exterior threads 142, and at the tip 140 theshank 134 is provided with a generally helical shape, in the manner of acorkscrew. As a result, the tip 140 is oriented at an angle θ relativeto the longitudinal axis of the shank 138 (FIG. 16). This configurationof the shank 134, wherein the outer surface is threaded and the tip 140is angled, are features which allow the anchor stake 130 to be manuallyscrewed into the surface 5 of the ice with only moderate effort.

Each anchor stake 130 is also provided with a flange 136 formed betweenthe handle 132 and the lower end 138. The flange 136 is a thin plateextending in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the shank134. The flange 136 has an outer diameter that is greater than thediameter of the reinforcing grommets 60 of the through holes 58 formedat each end 54 of the skirt portion 50. To prevent the flange 136 frompassing through the grommets 60, the diameter of the flange 136 shouldbe at least twice the diameter of the through holes formed in thegrommets 60. In use, the lower end 138 of anchor stake 130 is insertedinto a through hole pair 66 of the skirt portion 50, and is drawn intothe surface of the substrate 5 by manually turning the handle 132. Theflange 136 provides a stop surface when anchor stake 130 is sufficientlyscrewed into the ice, such that the layered ends 54, 54 of the skirtportion 50 are tightly sandwiched between the ice surface 5 and theflange 136. Use of a threaded anchor stake provides simple and quicksecurement to the ice surface, in contrast to a prior art method ofchipping a hole for a stake, and adding water to freeze the staketherein.

As seen in FIG. 15, each anchor stake 230 comprises an elongate shank234. The upper end of the shank 234 is shaped to form a handle 232. Thehandle is sized and shaped to allow adequate gripping and leverage formanual rotation of the anchor stake during use. In the illustratedembodiment, the handle is an elongate bar disposed on the upper end ofthe shank 234 to form a T. However, it is well within the scope of thisinvention to form the handle having other shapes. The handle may beprovided with an insulative covering, such as rubber or a suitableelastomeric coating, for improved comfort and grippability when used incold environments.

The lower end 238 of the shank 234 is tapered, and terminates in apointed tip 240. For ease of threading into a hard or compacted surface5, the tapered portion may be two inches or more in length. The lowerend 238 is provided with coarse exterior threads 242, and at the tip 240the shank 234 is provided with a generally helical shape, in the mannerof a corkscrew. As a result, the tip 240 is oriented at an angle θrelative to the longitudinal axis of the shank 238 (FIG. 16). Thisconfiguration of the shank 234, wherein the outer surface is threadedand the tip 240 is angled, are features which allow the anchor stake 230to be manually screwed into hard or compacted surfaces 5 with onlymoderate effort.

Second Embodiment—Overview

As shown in FIGS. 17-18, in a fully assembled configuration thereof, aportable ice fishing enclosure 210 according to another illustrativeembodiment of the present invention includes a flexible shell 220supported by a frame 350 (FIG. 18), and secured to a supportivesubstrate 5 using a plurality of anchor stakes 130. The enclosure 210hereof is particularly adapted for use on an ice sheet as a supportivesubstrate 5.

The shell 220 is cooperatively supported by the frame 350, which may beset up for placement either inside or outside of the shell. The shell220 for the portable enclosure 210 is formed of flexible sheet material,which may be nylon or another woven synthetic fabric to provide thedurability, flexibility and strength required for use in harshenvironmental conditions.

The shell 220 includes a plurality of interconnected sidewalls 222. Thesidewalls 222 are arranged in a lateral edge-to-edge relationship, suchthat each of the sidewalls 222 is joined to an adjacent sidewall at eachof its respective lateral edges, to form a substantially closed section.

In the embodiment of FIG. 17, each of the sidewalls 222 making up theshell has a substantially arch-shaped outline, similar to an invertedparabola, as shown, giving the overall structure a modified dome shape.The lower end of the portable enclosure 210 may be left open to allowthe user to have access to substantially the entire ground surface areawithin the surrounding sidewalls.

Alternatively, if desired, a bag used to house and store the enclosurein a collapsed configuration thereof may be adapted to be used as afloor in the assembled configuration of the enclosure, to cover part orall of the floor area inside of the enclosure 210.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the covering 220 of the enclosure210 includes four interconnected sidewalls 222. However, it is withinthe scope of the invention to use only three sidewalls, or more thanfour sidewalls. For example, for a larger enclosure, five or sixsidewalls (not shown) may be provided.

One or more of the sidewalls 222 may be provided with a window opening228. A transparent vinyl sheet insert 230 may be sewn over the windowopening 228, to allow natural light to enter into the interior spacewithin the portable enclosure 210. The transparent vinyl sheet insert230, where used, may be covered with a selectively movable flexiblewindow flap 232. If desired, only a portion of one edge of thetransparent vinyl insert 230 may be fixed to a corresponding edge of thewindow opening 228, so as to allow the transparent vinyl insert 230 tobe selectively openable. A selectively openable transparent vinyl insert230 may also be layered over a screen insert (not shown).

The portable enclosure 210 includes at least one selectively closabledoor opening 236 formed in a sidewall 222, to permit ingress into, andegress from the enclosure 210. In the depicted embodiment, the dooropening 236 is a closable door flap 238 that is secured to the sidewall222 using a conventional door closure which may include, but is notlimited to, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, snaps, or ties.

A vent opening 242 is formed in an upper portion of one of the sidewalls222, and comprises a breathable vent insert 243 sewn therein, whichallows adequate ventilation of the structure. The vent opening 242 mayinclude a closable flap of fabric 244 on the interior or exterior of thecovering 220, and a screen panel may be provided as the vent insert 243.

The lower edge 245 of each sidewall 222 has a skirt portion 50 attachedthereto along the entire width thereof, and the outer ends of the skirtportion extend beyond the sidewall 222 at each side thereof. The skirtportion 50 is an elongate rectangular band formed of the same materialas the sidewalls, and has a width that is greater than the width of thesidewall 222. The skirt portion 50 extends continuously along the entirelower edge 245 of the sidewall 222, such that the respective ends 54,54′ of the skirt portion 50 extend beyond the respective lateral edgesof the sidewall 222. Each end 54, 54′ of the skirt portion 50 isprovided with a through hole 58. The edges of the through hole 58 arereinforced. In the illustrated embodiment, the through hole 58 isreinforced with a metal or high-strength plastic grommet 60.

In the assembled configuration of the enclosure 210, the sidewalls 222extend substantially upwardly at an angle inclined towards the center,and the skirt portion 50 for each sidewall 222 extends out parallel tothe substrate 5 and perpendicular to the sidewall 222, so as to overlieand confront the surface of the substrate 5.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, in the assembled configuration of the enclosure,the respective end flaps of adjacent skirt portions overlap one anotherat the corners of the covering 220, to provide a strong support for theenclosure when the overlapped end flaps are attached to the substrate 5.At the corners of the portable enclosure 210, the respective ends 54,54′ of the skirt portions 50 for adjacent sidewalls are arranged to liein a layered, overlapping relationship. That is, the end 54 of the skirtportion 50 of one sidewall 222 overlies the end 54′ of the skirt portion50′ of the adjacent sidewall 22′, so that the through hole 58 of the end54 of the skirt portion 50 of the one sidewall overlies and is invertical alignment with the through hole 58′ of the end 54′ of the skirtportion 50′ of the adjacent sidewall 22′, to form a vertically alignedthrough hole pair 66. Each through hole 58 of the through hole pair 66is sized to receive the shank 134 of the anchor stake 130 therethrough,and has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the anchorstake's flange 136.

The Frame

The support frame 350 for the enclosure of FIG. 17 is illustrated inFIG. 18, and includes a central connector 352. In the embodiment of FIG.18, the central connector 352 is X-shaped. A plurality ofinterconnecting struts 354, 355 and are used together with the centralconnector 352 to construct the frame 350. The struts 354, 355 are madeof strong, semi-flexible fiberglass or plastic material, and some of thestruts 354 have integral sleeves 356 to receive an end of another struttherein.

It will be understood that suitable fabric or elastic loops may beprovided on the interior or the exterior upwardly extending seams of theshell, to receive the frame strut sections 354, 355 therein.

Method of Assembling the Portable Enclosure

The present invention also provides a method of assembling the portableice fishing enclosure 10. One example of a method which may be used forassembling the portable shelter are as follows:

Step 1. Position the covering on the ground or ice surface 5 so that anexterior surface 63 of the ceiling faces upwardly, an interior surface62 of the ceiling 24 confronts the ice surface 5, and so that thesidewalls 22 are situated below the ceiling in a collapsed manner.

Step 2. From the inside of the housing, secure one of the sub-frames 72to the interior surface 62 of one sidewall 22 by inserting the distalend 166 of each strut 76 into a respective pocket 64 on the interiorsurface 62 of the sidewall 22, with the outer face 92 of the huboriented facing outwardly, against the material of the sidewall.

Step 3. The hub is then pushed outwardly until it bows out past thecorners of the sidewall 22, in a gently bowed configuration similar toan open, unfurled umbrella.

Step 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each remaining sidewall 22 and also forthe ceiling 24, until all respective sidewalls 22 and the ceiling eachhave a sub-frame 72 secured to an interior surface 62 thereof.

Step 5. (optional) Actuate the tensioning mechanism 160 of thetensioning strap 150 for any sidewall panels 22 or ceiling 24 havingtensioning straps thereon, until the respective fabric panel is pulledtaut across the sub-frame 72. The fabric is thereby made morewind-resistant.

Step 6. Arrange the skirt portions 50 over and parallel to the icesurface or other substrate 5, and each end 54 of the skirt portion 50 isarranged to lie in a layered, overlapping relationship with the end 54′of the skirt portion 50 of the adjacent sidewall 22′ such that throughhole 58 of an end 54 of the skirt portion 50 of one sidewall 22 overliesand is in vertical alignment with the through hole 58 of an end 54′ ofthe skirt portion 50 of the adjacent sidewall 22′ to form a verticallyaligned through hole pair 66.

Step 7. For each vertically aligned through hole pair 66, insert ananchor stake 130 into the through hole 66 pair such that the tip 140 ofthe tapered, threaded lower end 138 contacts the ice surface 5.

Step 8. For each through hole pair 66, turn the handle 132 of the anchorstake 130 with downward pressure applied to the stake, so that thethreads 142 of the lower end 138 draw the anchor stake 130 into the icesurface 5 until the flange 136 abuts the respective skirt end 54.

A similar method would be followed for the enclosure 210 of FIG. 13,except that the method of assembling the frame 350 would involveinterconnecting the struts 354, 355 and the central connector 352,including inserting some of the appropriate strut ends into the integralsleeves 356, and concurrently slipping the struts 354, 355 through thefabric sleeves provided to hold the struts in place in the housing. Hereagain, the ends of the skirt portions would be placed in alignedoverlapping configuration, and the anchor stakes would be insertedthrough the grommets and rotated to screw into, and rigidly anchor thecorners of the housing to the substrate 5.

Kit

The present invention also provides a kit 200 (FIG. 19) for use inconstructing a portable ice fishing enclosure 10 which is lightweight,easily transported and easily assembled and disassembled, even in coldand windy winter conditions. The kit 200 includes the portable icefishing enclosure 10 and a carrying bag 190. The portable ice fishingenclosure 10 includes the covering 20, the frame 70, and anchor stakes130 as described above.

The carrying bag 190 has an elongate, generally cylindrical body portion192 sized to receive the folded covering, disassembled frame 70, andanchor stakes 130 therein. The body portion 192 of carrying bag 190 is aflexible sturdy fabric, and includes an elongate opening 196 which isselectively opened and closed using conventional means, such as a zipperor hook and loop fastener. The carrying bag also includes at least onecarrying strap 194 which may be sized and adapted for grasping in theuser's hand or for being supported on the user's shoulder.

The kit 200 may also include additional components, including, but notlimited to, spare anchor stakes 130, a covering patch kit, andadditional bag members. Additional bag members may be used to organizekit components within carrying bag 190. For example, a bag member may bededicated and sized for stowing the anchor stakes 130, and a another bagmember may be dedicated and sized for stowing the components of theframe 70. Filled bag members are easily inserted into carrying bag 190through opening 196.

The kit 200 may also include items not directly related to the portableice fishing enclosure 10, but which are useful in the sport of icefishing. These items may include, but are not limited to, at least oneice fishing rod and reel, at least one tip up, a hole-forming tool, anda heat source.

It is understood that contents of the kit can be varied to accommodateenclosures comprising different components. For example, a secondembodiment kit 300 (FIG. 20) may include a cover 20, a frame 70, cinchstraps 156, anchor stakes 230, and a carrying bag 190.

Dual Use Bag

The inventive dual use bag 490 will now be described with respect to thefigures. The dual use bag 490 is used as a carrying member (FIGS. 28,36) for a collapsed or folded portable enclosure 10 and, upon assemblyof the portable enclosure 10, for use in combination with the portableenclosure 10 as a floor member (FIGS. 21, 37) for the portable enclosure10.

As seen in FIG. 21, the bag 490 comprises a large multi-layered sheetformed in the general shape of an elongate octagon. In the followingdescriptions, a longitudinal direction of the bag 490 is defined asparallel to the long sides 424, 426 of the elongate octagon, and atransverse direction is defined as parallel to the short sides 428, 430of the elongate octagon. The respective ends of the long sides 424, 426and the short sides 428, 430 are joined by angled sides 432, 434, 436,438.

The bag 490 includes an outer surface 412, and an inner surface 414opposed to the outer surface. The outer surface 412 corresponds to theside of the bag 490 which faces outward when bag 490 is used as acarrying member. The carrying straps 440 and binding straps 442 arefixed to the outer surface 412 of the bag 490 using known methods. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the straps 440, 442 are sewn to the outersurface of the bag 490. When the bag 490 is used as a floor mat, theouter surface 412 is oriented so as to confront the ground (or ice)surface.

An insulation layer 418 is provided. The insulation layer 418 may be thesame size and shape as the bag 490 so as to extend to the entire outerperiphery of the bag 490, as shown in FIG. 27. Alternatively, theinsulation may be provided over a smaller area and lie within the outerperiphery of the bag 490. That is, the insulation may be strategicallyplaced to provide a thermal barrier or additional padding in portions ofthe bag 490 likely to receive high use. For example, insulation is sewninto at least a mid portion of the bag so that insulation extends over arectangular region bordered by the two longitudinally aligned parallelsides 424, 426, as shown in FIG. 26. In this example, insulation isomitted in the remaining areas. In a second example, insulation extendsin rectangular regions bordered by the two longitudinally alignedparallel sides 424, 426, and also in rectangular regions between thetransversely aligned parallel sides 428, 430, and is omitted intriangular regions adjacent to the angled sides 434, 434, 436, and 438.This configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 23.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the bag 490 is formed ofthree layers of material. Specifically, the bag includes a first layer416 of durable synthetic fabric, a middle layer of insulation 418, and athird layer 420 of durable synthetic fabric. The outer face of the firstlayer 416 corresponds to outer surface 412 of the bag 490. Likewise, theouter face of the third layer 420 corresponds to inner surface 414 ofthe bag 490. The multiple layers are sewn together at least about theperipheral edge of the octagonal sheet, and may also include additionalseams within and/or extending across the mid portion of the sheet, forpurposes of maintaining proper alignment of the respective layers, forreinforcement purposes, and/or for adding detail items such as hooks orstraps.

An example of a synthetic fabric used for the first 416 and third 420layers includes 600D or 1000D polyester. However, those skilled in theart understand that other similar, equally durable fabrics may besubstituted for the polyester. The insulation layer 418 is alsosynthetic so as to benefit from the high thermal efficiency, low weight,and drying properties of synthetic insulations.

The side of the bag 490 which is designated as the outer side 412 may betreated with a waterproofing compound, so that when used as a carryingmember, the contents of the bag 490 are maintained in a dry condition,and so that when used as a floor mat, the ground moisture is notabsorbed into the bag 490.

In an alternative construction, the bag 490 may be formed of a singlelayer 416 of durable synthetic fabric with a layer of insulation 418sewn thereon (FIG. 25). As in the three layer construction, the outerface of the first layer 416 corresponds to outer surface 412 of the bag490. However, in the two-layer construction, an outer face of theinsulation 418 would correspond to the inner surface 414 of the bag 490.

Plural sets of straps are provided on the exterior surface 412 of theouter layer 416 of the bag 490 (FIG. 29). Binding straps 442 areprovided which are used to maintain the bag in a closed, foldedconfiguration with the contents securely wrapped and stowed therewithin.In addition, carrying straps 440 are provided to allow the bag to becarried in the hand or on the shoulders of the user.

The binding straps 442 are formed of elongate sections of wide syntheticwebbing. Plural binding straps 442 are arranged in a parallelconfiguration so as to lie in the transverse direction of the bag 490.Each binding strap 442 is provided in a length which permits a first end445 of the binding strap 442 to be fixed to the bag 490 at a positiongenerally mid way between the longitudinal centerline C of the bag 490and a longitudinally-aligned long side 426, and a second end 447 of thebinding strap 442 to extend beyond the opposed long side 424 so as toreside at a position spaced from the long side 424. Thus, the second end447 of the binding strap 442 extends outward from the long side 424 ofthe bag 490, and the body of the strap 442 and the first end 445 of thestrap 442 confront the outer surface 412 of the bag 490.

Each binding strap 442 is fixed to the bag 490 by conventional meanssuch as sewing. The entire length of the confronting portions of eachbinding strap 442 and the bag 490 may be sewn together. Alternatively,short seam fragments may be provided at spaced intervals along theconfronting portions of each binding strap 442 and bag 490 so as tofirmly attach the binding strap 442 to the bag 490. The first end 445and the second end 447 of each binding strap 442 are each provided witha cooperating connecting member, as described below.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, two binding straps 442 areprovided. However, alternative equivalent configurations may be used.For example, as shown in FIG. 23, three binding straps 442 may beprovided, arranged in an equally spaced, parallel, and transverselyaligned configuration.

The carrying straps 440 are formed of elongate sections of widesynthetic webbing. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 29, two carrying strap 440are arranged in a parallel configuration so as to lie in thelongitudinal direction of the bag 490. A first end 441 of each carryingstrap 440 is fixed to the outer surface 412 of the bag 490 adjacent to,and spaced apart from, a short side 430 of the bag 490. The remainingportions of each carrying strap 440 are not fixed to the bag 490. Whenfully extended, the remaining portions of each carrying strap 440 extendoutward from the short side 430 in the longitudinal direction. Inparticular, the second end 443 of the carrying strap 440 resides beyondthe short side 430 at a position spaced from the short side 430.

Each carrying strap 440 is provided with a generous length such that thesecond end 443 of each carrying strap is spaced a long distance from theshort end 430 of the bag 490 when the carrying strap 440 is fullyextended. Specifically, each carrying strap must be of sufficient lengthto extend along the entire longitudinal dimension of the bag 490 in thefolded and packed configuration. In addition, each carrying strap mustbe of sufficient length to allow adequate slack for receiving theshoulder of a user between the carrying strap and the folded and packedbag 490.

The outer-surface side of the second end 443 of each carrying strap 440is provided with a cooperating connecting member, as described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 441 of each carrying strap440 is provided with a pad member 444. The pad member 444 may beintegrally formed with the carrying strap 444. Alternatively, the padmember 444 may be a separate component which is secured to the first end441 of the carrying strap 444. The pad member 444 surrounds eachcarrying strap 440 at portions extending from the first end 441 of thecarrying strap 440 to a position of carrying strap 440 adjacent to, andspaced apart from, short end 430 of the bag 490.

When the inventive bag 490 is used as a carrying member, the bag 490 iscarried on both shoulders of the user in the style of a backpack.Specifically, a carrying strap 440 is placed on each shoulder of theuser such that the pad member 444 is interposed between the carryingstrap 440 and the shoulder surface, thereby allowing the bag 490 to beeasily and comfortably carried (FIG. 36).

However, alternative configurations of the carrying straps 440 can beprovided. A first example is a configuration which provides a singleelongate padded strap, attached at opposed ends of the bag 490 in thefolded and packed configuration so as to allow the bag 490 to be carriedat the side of the user's body with the strap supported on the user'sshoulder. A second example is a configuration in which a pair of shortstraps are provided in a parallel arrangement to allow the bag 490 to becarried in the hand of the user. The inventive bag 490 is not limited tothe described strap configurations, but may instead use other equallyeffective configurations, or combinations thereof.

The opposed ends of the binding straps 442 and the carrying straps 440may be secured to each other using any conventional connecting means,including, but not limited to, hooks, clips, snaps, quick-releasefittings, ties, and hook and loop fastener. In the illustratedembodiment, a hook member 450 (FIGS. 31, 32) is provided at the firstend 445 of each binding strap 442. The hook member 450 includes anelongated hook portion 454 formed at an end thereof. A slot member 452(FIGS. 33, 34) is provided at the second end 447 of each binding strap442. The slot member 452 includes a wide slot portion 456 formed at anend thereof configured to cooperatively receive the hook portion 454 ofthe hook member 450 therein (FIG. 35). The hook portion 454 iselongated, and the slot portion 456 is widened to allow thesecooperating parts to be easily manually connected by a user wearingheavy gloves or mittens.

In a similar manner, a hook member 450 is provided at the second end 443of each carrying strap 440. A pair of slot members 452 is sewn to theouter surface 412 of the bag 490 at a position adjacent the opposedshort side 428 of the bag 490, and in longitudinal alignment with, arespective carrying strap 440. Each slot member 452 is configured tocooperatively receive therein the hook portion 454 of the hook member450 formed on the outer surface-facing side of the second end 443 of thecarrying strap 440.

For each binding strap 442 and each carrying strap 440, one of the hookmember 450 and slot member 452 is provided with a strap adjustmentmeans. In the case of the binding strap 442, the adjustment means allowsthe binding strap 442 to be firmly and securely tightened about the bag490 and its contents (FIG. 28). In the case of the carrying strap 440,the adjustment means allows the length of the carrying strap 440 to beadjusted to properly and comfortably fit a variety of users.

Method of Using the Dual Use Bag as a Carrying Member

A method of using the bag 490 as a carrying member will now bedescribed. As an illustration, the method will include the portableenclosure 10 as the object carried within the bag 490. However, it isunderstood that the bag 490 can be used to carry portable enclosuresother than the specific embodiments of portable enclosures describedabove. The method of using the bag 490 as a carrying member has thefollowing method steps:

Step 1) Place the bag 490 on the ground surface 5 such that the outersurface 412 faces downward and confronts the ground surface 5, and suchthat the inner surface 414 faces upward (FIG. 21).

Step 2) Place the collapsed, disassembled portable enclosure 10 on theinner surface 414 such that the portable enclosure is generallypositioned in the center of the bag 490 (FIG. 30) and extends in thelongitudinal direction.

Step 3) Fold the bag 490 along a longitudinally extending fold line suchthat the long side 426 overlies the disassembled portable enclosure 10.It should be noted that the long side 426 is opposed to the long side424 from which the binding straps 442 extend, and thus the long sidewithout binding straps 442 is used as the first-folded side.

Step 4) Fold the bag 490 along a longitudinally extending fold line suchthat the long side 424 overlies both the disassembled portable enclosureand the first folded side 426 (FIG. 22). Note that the long side 424 isthe long side from which the binding straps 442 extend, so that the longside with binding straps 442 is used as the second-folded side. In thisconfiguration, the portable enclosure is substantially surrounded by thebag 490.

Step 5) For each binding strap 442, connect the first end 445 to itsrespective second end 447 using the cooperative connecting means 450,452. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting operation includesinserting the hook portion 454 of the hook connector 450 into the slotportion 456 of the slot connector. It is understood, however, that thecooperative connecting means 450, 452 is not limited to this type ofconnector, and instead can be comprised of equivalent connectingstructures as described above. By connecting the first end 445 of eachbinding strap to its respective second end 447, opposed longitudinalsides of the bag 490 are secured to each other.

Step 6) Adjust the length of each binding strap 442 so that no slackremains in the body portion of each binding strap 442, and so that theportable enclosure is snugly circumferentially surrounded in thetransverse direction by the bag 490 and binding straps 442.

Step 7) Fold the bag 490 along a transversely extending fold line suchthat the short side 428 overlies the portable enclosure, and both longsides 424, 426. It should be noted that the short side 428 is opposed tothe short side 430 from which the carrying straps 440 extend, so thatthe short side without binding straps is used as the third-folded side.By folding the bag 490 in this manner, the slot connectors 452 securedto the outer surface 412 adjacent to t the short side 428 are nowpositioned on an upper side of the folded bag 490.

Step 8) Fold the bag 490 along a transversely extending fold line suchthat the short side 430 overlies the portable enclosure and both longsides 424, 426. In this configuration, the short side 430 confronts andis spaced apart from the opposed short side 428. Note that the shortside 430 is the side from which the carrying straps 440 extend, so thatthe short side with carrying straps is used as the fourth-folded side.In this configuration, the portable enclosure is completely surroundedby and enclosed within the plural folds of the bag 490.

Step 9) For each carrying strap, connect the hook connector 450 formedon each respective second end 443 of each carrying strap 440 to alongitudinally aligned slot connector 452 positioned adjacent short side428. In this manner, the opposed short sides 428, 430 are secured toeach other using the carrying straps 440.

Step 10) Adjust the length of each carrying strap 440 so that minimalslack remains in the body portion of each carrying strap 440, and sothat the portable enclosure is snugly circumferentially surrounded inthe longitudinal direction by the bag 490 and carrying straps 440 (FIG.28).

Step 11) Mount the carrying bag on the shoulders of a user by placingthe bag 490 adjacent the upper trunk portion of a user so that the padmember 444 of each carrying strap overlies an upper surface of ashoulder of the user, and so that the short sides 428, 430 of the bag490 in the folded configuration confront and abut the body of the user(FIG. 36).

Although the method of using the dual use bag 490 as a carrying bag hasbeen described using only binding straps 442 and carrying straps 440 tosecure the contents within the bag 490 and to carrying the bag 490, itis well within the scope of this invention to provide additionalsecurement structures at strategic locations on the outer surface 412 orinner surface 414 of the bag 490 in order to securely maintain the bag490 in its folded configuration during use. For example, a fasteningmeans such as hook and loop fastener may be strategically andintermittently placed between overlapping surfaces of the folded bag.

Method of Using the Dual Use Bag as a Floor Mat

A method of using the bag 490 as a floor mat will now be described. Asan illustration, the method will include the portable enclosure 10 asthe body in which the floor mat is disposed. However, it is understoodthat the bag 490 can be used as a floor mat in portable enclosures otherthan the specific embodiments of portable enclosures described above.The method of using the bag 490 as a floor mat has the following methodsteps:

Step 1) Place the folded and bound bag 490 on a ground surface 5 suchthat the short sides 428, 430 of the bag 490, as well as the carryingstraps 440, face upward (FIG. 28).

Step 2) Disconnect the respective first and second ends 441,443 of thecarrying straps 440.

Step 3) Unfold the short sides 428, 430 of the bag 490 so that the shortsides 428, 430 of the bag 490 overlie and confront the ground surface(FIG. 22).

Step 4) Disconnect the respective first and second ends 445, 447 of thebinding straps 442.

Step 5) Unfold the long sides 424, 426 of the bag 490 so the long sides424, 426 of the bag 490 overlie and confront the ground surface 5, andso that the collapsed, disassembled portable enclosure 10 is fullyaccessible (FIG. 21).

Step 6) Assemble the portable enclosure 10 and position it on the groundsurface 5 as desired.

Step 7) Place the carrying bag 490 on the ground within the portableenclosure 10 such that the outer surface 412 confronts the groundsurface, such that the inner surface 414 faces upward, and such that thecarrying bag 490 is fully laid out in a non-self-overlapping andgenerally flat, planar configuration (FIG. 21). For cases in which thearea of the carrying bag 490 is of a larger dimension and/or ofdiffering shape than the floor area of the portable enclosure 10, theappropriate peripheral edges of the carrying bag 490 may be rolled tocompactly adjust the exposed floor mat area (FIG. 37).

Although the presently contemplated embodiments of a portable enclosurefor use in ice fishing have been described herein, the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate, rather than to limit theinvention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that varioussubstitutions and modifications can be made, without departing from theinvention. All such modifications, which are within the scope of theappended claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

1. A dual-use bag having a first use in storing and transporting acollapsed portable enclosure and a second use as a floor structure in anassembled, erected portable enclosure, the dual-use bag comprising amulti-layered, flexible sheet, at least one carrying strap, and aplurality of binding straps, the sheet comprising an inner surface andan outer surface, the at least one carrying strap and the plural bindingstraps being fixed to an outer surface of the sheet so that when thedual-use bag is used for storing and transporting, the plural bindingstraps encircle the collapsed portable enclosure and maintain theportable enclosure within the sheet, and the at least one carrying strapis configured to receive a shoulder of a user between the carrying strapand the bag.
 2. The dual-use bag of claim 1 wherein the sheet comprisesan insulation layer and an outer layer, the insulation layer overlyingthe outer layer.
 3. The dual-use bag of claim 2 wherein the insulationlayer comprises substantially the same size and shape as the outerlayer.
 4. The dual-use bag of claim 2 wherein the insulation layercomprises a size which is less than that of the outer layer such thatthe insulation layer overlies a portion of the outer layer.
 5. Thedual-use bag of claim 1 wherein the sheet comprises an outer layer, aninner layer, and an insulation layer extending between the outer andinner layers.
 6. The dual-use bag of claim 1 wherein the multi-layeredsheet comprises a waterproof outer layer.
 7. The dual-use bag of claim 1wherein the sheet comprises a peripheral edge having an elongateoctagonal shape, the sheet comprising a first pair of parallel lateraledges corresponding to opposed long sides of the elongate octagon, alongitudinal axis that lies parallel to the first pair of edges, asecond pair of parallel end edges corresponding to opposed short sidesof the elongate octagon, the second pair of edges oriented perpendicularto the first pair of edges, a transverse axis that lies parallel to thesecond pair of edges, wherein said plural binding straps are arranged ina spaced, parallel configuration and are oriented to lie in parallelwith the transverse axis, and said at least one carrying strap isoriented to lie in parallel with the longitudinal axis, the pluralbinding straps do not overlap the at least one carrying strap, each ofthe plural binding straps and each the at least one carrying straps arefixed to the outer surface of the sheet at a location spaced from theperipheral edge such that each respective strap includes a portion whichoverlies the outer surface of the sheet.
 8. The dual-use bag of claim 1wherein each of the plural binding straps is adjustable in length, eachof the plural binding straps comprising a first end, and a second endopposed to the first end, the first and second ends comprising aconnection member whereby, for each of the plural binding straps, thefirst end is detachably securable to the second end
 9. The dual-use bagof claim 1 wherein each of the at least one carrying straps isadjustable in length and includes a padded portion.
 10. A dual-usecarrying bag in combination with a portable enclosure, the dual-usecarrying bag having a first use in storing and transporting the portableenclosure when the portable enclosure is in a collapsed and foldedconfiguration, the dual use bag having a second use as a floor structurein the portable enclosure when the portable enclosure is in an assembledconfiguration, the dual-use carrying bag comprising a multi-layered,flexible sheet, at least one carrying strap, and a plurality of bindingstraps, the sheet comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, theat least one carrying strap and the plural binding straps being fixed toan outer surface of the sheet so that when the dual-use carrying bag isused for storing and transporting the portable enclosure, the portableenclosure is substantially surrounded by the sheet and the pluralbinding straps substantially encircle both the sheet and the collapsedportable enclosure, and maintain the portable enclosure within thesheet, and the at least one carrying strap is configured to receive ashoulder of a user between the carrying strap and the bag, and when thedual-use carrying bag is used for a floor structure in the assembledportable enclosure, the sheet is capable of fully opening so as to liein a flat, non-self-overlapping configuration.
 11. The dual-use carryingbag in combination with a portable enclosure of claim 10 wherein theportable enclosure comprises a flexible fabric covering and a framestructure, wherein the frame stricture cooperates with the covering toprovide a first configuration in which the portable enclosure isassembled to form a three-dimensional free-standing enclosure, and toprovide a second configuration in which the frame structure folds into acollapsed, compact configuration.
 12. The dual-use carrying bag incombination with a portable enclosure of claim 10 wherein the portableenclosure further includes a plurality of anchor stakes, and whereinwhen the dual-use carrying bag is used for storing and transporting theportable enclosure, the portable enclosure and anchor stakes aresubstantially surrounded by the sheet, and the plural binding strapssubstantially encircle the sheet, the collapsed portable enclosure, andthe anchor stakes, and maintain the portable enclosure and anchor stakeswithin the sheet.
 13. The dual-use carrying bag in combination with aportable enclosure of claim 10 wherein the portable enclosure furtherincludes a plurality of cinch straps, and wherein when the dual-usecarrying bag is used for storing and transporting the portableenclosure, the portable enclosure and cinch straps are substantiallysurrounded by the sheet, and the plural binding straps substantiallyencircle the sheet, the collapsed portable enclosure, and the cinchstraps, and maintain the portable enclosure and cinch straps within thesheet.
 14. A method of using a dual-use bag, the dual-use bag having afirst use in storing and transporting a collapsed portable enclosure,and a second use as a floor structure within the portable enclosure whenthe portable enclosure is in an assembled, erected configuration, thedual use bag comprising a multi-layered, flexible sheet, at least onecarrying strap, and a plurality of binding straps, the sheet comprisingan inner surface and an outer surface, the at least one carrying strapand the plural binding straps being fixed to an outer surface of thesheet so that when the dual-use bag is used for storing andtransporting, the plural binding straps encircle the collapsed portableenclosure and maintain the portable enclosure within the sheet, and theat least one carrying strap is configured to receive a shoulder of auser between the carrying strap and the bag, the method of using thedual-use carrying bag for storing and transporting a collapsed portableenclosure comprising the following steps: step 1, disposing the sheet ona supportive surface such that the outer surface faces down andconfronts the supportive surface, and such that the sheet is opened to asubstantially flat and non-self-overlapping configuration; step 2,placing the collapsed, compactly arranged portable enclosure on theinner surface of the sheet at a substantially central location of thesheet; step 3, folding a first pair of opposed peripheral edges of thesheet toward the central location of the sheet so as to overlie both thecenter location of the sheet and the portable enclosure; step 4,securing the folded first pair of opposed peripheral edges in place byconnecting respective first ends of the binding straps to correspondingsecond ends of the binding straps; step 5, folding a second pair ofopposed peripheral edges of the sheet toward the center location of thesheet so as to overlie the portable enclosure and the folded first pairof opposed peripheral edges; step 6, connecting a respective first endof the at least one carrying strap to a connector disposed on the outersurface of the sheet, whereby the dual-use carrying bag is folded andbound; and step 7, mounting the folded and bound dual-use carrying bagon the shoulder of the user by receiving the shoulder of the userbetween the at least one carrying strap and the dual use carrying bag.15. The method of using the dual-use carrying bag of claim 14 whereinthe method of using the dual use carrying bag as a floor structurewithin the portable enclosure when the portable enclosure is in anassembled, erected configuration comprises the following steps: step 1,placing the folded and bound dual-use carrying bag on a supportivesurface such that the second pair of opposed peripheral edges faceupward; step 2, disconnecting the respective first end of the at leastone carrying strap from the connector disposed on the outer surface ofthe sheet; step 3, unfolding the second pair of opposed peripheral edgesof the sheet so that respective edges of the second pair of opposedperipheral edges are positioned on opposed sides of the collapsedportable enclosure; step 4, disconnecting respective first ends of thebinding straps from the corresponding second ends of the binding straps;step 5, unfolding the first pair of opposed peripheral edges of thesheet away from the central location of the sheet so that respectiveedges of the first pair of opposed peripheral edges are positioned onopposed sides of the collapsed portable enclosure, and so that thecollapsed portable enclosure is fully accessable; and step 6, placementof dual-use carrying bag within the assembled, erected portableenclosure so that the outer surface confronts the supportive surface,and so that the dual-use carrying bag is laid out in a generally flatconfiguration within an interior space of the portable enclosure. 16.The method of using the dual-use carrying bag of claim 14, wherein thesheet comprises a peripheral edge having an elongate octagonal shape,the sheet further comprising the first pair of opposed peripheral edgescorresponding to opposed, parallel, long sides of the elongate octagon,a longitudinal axis that lies parallel to the first pair of opposedperipheral edges, the second pair of opposed peripheral edgescorresponding to opposed, parallel, short sides of the elongate octagon,the second pair of opposed peripheral edges oriented perpendicular tothe first pair of opposed peripheral edges, a transverse axis that liesparallel to the second pair of opposed peripheral edges, wherein saidplural binding straps are arranged in a spaced, parallel configurationand are oriented to lie in parallel with the transverse axis, and saidat least one carrying strap is oriented to lie in parallel with thelongitudinal axis, the plural binding straps do not overlap the at leastone carrying strap, each of the plural binding straps and each the atleast one carrying straps are fixed to the outer surface of the sheet ata location spaced from the peripheral edge such that each respectivestrap includes a portion which overlies the outer surface of the sheet.17. The method of using the dual use carrying bag of claim 14, whereineach of the plural binding straps is adjustable in length, each of theplural binding straps comprising a first end, and a second end opposedto the first end, the first and second ends comprising a connectionmember whereby, for each of the plural binding straps, the first end isdetachably securable to the second end
 18. The method of using the dualuse carrying bag of claim 14, wherein each of the at least one carryingstraps is adjustable in length and includes a padded portion.